A Tale of Two Runs

So, last weekend, I ran my first ever 10k. My first ever race, really, if you don't count 6th grade.

I was a little nervous, hoping my joints wouldn't just quit halfway in, and I'd have to get picked up by volunteers on a golf cart.

But around Mile 4, I was still feeling good, and I was proud of myself. I even decided I could run a little more than I had been.

There was a man near me that looked to be in his eighties. He was running fairly slowly, but he was running continuously, even though he could not hold his body upright.

I thought, "He's obviously in really good shape for his age, and he seems better prepared for this race than I am, but I WILL beat him across that finish line."

It gave me a little added incentive.

Finally, I could see the balloon arch in the distance, and knew we were getting close. My shoulder was tightening up, and I was really ready to be done, but that man was still neck and neck with me, so I had to keep it up.

It was surprisingly difficult, but I managed to get across the finish line just a little ahead of him.

I knew it was silly....that beating an old man at this race did not mean I was some sort of "athlete." But I'd given myself a goal, and I'd accomplished it. I'd finished the race (in less time than I'd hoped), AND I'd done it faster than that man.

Just look how determined and focused I was-

(This is right before the finish line- you can check out my competition on the left)

So, I went online later to find out exactly how old this man was, to give more detail to my story and my memory. Turns out he is 86.

Also turns out- his time was 2 minutes less than mine.

That's right.

I did not gain on him, in the race, and eventually pass him. He actually started much after me, and passed me (a bunch of times).

Oh well. Maybe next year, Eugene Cook!